The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M), a group of former UN officials, issued a statement today, August 20, urging the Arakan Army (AA) to protect civilians in Northern Myanmar's Rakhine State and to adhere to international humanitarian law.
The SAC-M reported that up to 200 Rohingyas attempting to cross the Nat River to flee to neighboring Bangladesh were attacked amid clashes between the Military Council forces and the AA in Maungdaw Township. According to the statement, these Rohingyas were targeted with drones, heavy weapons, and small arms, and were accused of being associated with the AA.
The report also referenced a similar incident on May 17, when Rohingyas were reportedly attacked in Buthidaung Township and accused of being members of the AA. The Arakan Army claimed that the Rohingyas were being used as human shields by Military Council forces during the fighting and that some were subsequently rescued.
The SAC-M emphasized that the full extent of the brutality against the Rohingya and other civilians has yet to be determined. However, it noted that the AA currently has the upper hand in Rakhine State and urged the group to ensure the protection of civilians. The SAC-M also reiterated the importance of following international humanitarian law.
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